7 Reasons to Love Hanapēpē, Kauaʻi
It seems like time stands still in this historic town—and that’s just one of the reasons to love it.
One of my favorite towns in Hawaiʻi is tucked on Kauaʻi’s south shore, just west of Kōloa. When I walk through the charming town of Hanapēpē, it feels like time has stood still, which is just one of the reasons I love returning.
It might come as a surprise that Hanapēpē is nicknamed Kauaʻi’s Biggest Little Town. It was one of the island’s largest communities from World War I to the early 1950s. Today, the plantation-style buildings constructed in the 1930s and ’40s are now home to local eateries, art galleries and adorable boutiques.
If you’re on the Garden Isle, be sure to swing through Hanapēpē—there’s plenty to do, see and love about this town.
1. Hanapēpē Swinging Bridge
The famous swinging bridge in Hanapēpē.
Photo: Getty Images
This historic landmark has long bridged Kauaʻi’s past to its present. Originally built in the 1900s over the Hanapēpē River, plantation laborers once crossed the suspension bridge to work in nearby fields. Now, it’s become a unique attraction for visitors, and it’s still used by residents making their way into town.
2. Hanapēpē Art Night
Kaua‘i’s Biggest Little Town comes to life during Friday Art Nights.
Photo: Courtesy of the Hanapēpē Economic Alliance
Over the decades, Hanapēpē has established itself as a hub for artists. As you wander through town, you’ll notice that many of the historic buildings are now filled with local art galleries. While you can stroll through these galleries most days of the week, one of the best times to visit the town is on Fridays when the community hosts Hanapēpē Art Night. Every Friday evening, local galleries remain open late, welcoming residents and visitors, while the main street is also lined with local pop-up shops and eateries.
3. Hanapēpē Farmers Market
Every Thursday the town holds a farmers market at Hanapēpē Park.
Photo: Hawaiʻi Tourism Authority (HTA)/Ben Ono
Friday isn’t the only exciting day of the week in Hanapēpē. Every Thursday the town holds a farmers market at Hanapēpē Park from 3-4 p.m. It’s a great place to pick up local produce and support Kauaʻi’s farmers.
kauai.gov/Government/Departments-Agencies/OED/Kauai-Sunshine-Markets
4. Inspiration for the Setting of “Lilo and Stitch”
There’s a nostalgic quality of Hanapēpē that always makes life seem simpler while strolling through the town. Maybe it’s because I think of the charming setting of Disney’s animated film “Lilo and Stitch.” I can understand why Disney chose it as the inspiration for the setting of the beloved 2002 film.
5. Taro Kō Chips
The chips dusted in li hing mui powder from Taro Kō Chips are a must-try.
Photo: Catherine Toth Fox
Even if it’s out of the way and I don’t have plans to be in Hanapēpē, I always make time to stop at Taro Kō Chips. From an old green plantation cottage on the edge of town the company makes some of the best taro and sweet potato chips in Hawaiʻi. Thanks to its ultrafine, crispy slivers of taro and sweet potatoes, the business has earned a cult following. The chips dusted in li hing mui powder are my favorite!
6. Lilikoʻi Chiffon Pie from Wong’s Chinese Restaurant
You can’t go wrong at Wong’s. From crispy gau gee and roast duck to fried saimin and teri burgers, the restaurant serves your typical Chinese fare along with local favorites. And while the cupcakes, cookies and cakes are delightful, Wong’s Chinese Restaurant is known for its lilikoʻi chiffon pie. It’s light and airy with a tang of tart passion fruit.
7. Salt Pond Beach
This small beach park is a quiet and peaceful spot.
Photo: Hawaiʻi Tourism Authority (HTA)/Tor Johnson
This small beach park is a quiet and peaceful spot just a short drive from the center of Hanapēpē. Not typically crowded, Salt Pond Beach is protected by a reef, making it great for young kids to splash in the gentle lagoon.
Grace Maeda is the editor of HAWAIʻI Magazine.
